At about 1:03am on Sunday, January 16, 2022, the Police Control Room received a report that shots were fired near to a business premises on South Dock Road, Providenciales. Four ‘off duty’ Police Officers from the RTCIPF who were at the location responded to what they believed to be multiple shots being fired. As a result of their actions, a 17-year-old youth was identified and detained and a loaded firearm and other ammunition were recovered from the individual.
The circumstances of the discharge of a firearm or firearms and the arrested person’s involvement are under active investigation. It is also believed that, possibly as part of the same incident, a person was robbed of their vehicle, after two masked and armed men demanded the vehicle and fled the scene. No injuries reported.
Commissioner of Police, Trevor Botting said ‘This incident highlights the broad societal issues for the Turks and Caicos Islands regarding the possession of firearms by young men which leads to violence and serious offending. Everyone should be concerned about our young people and how we can keep them from being involved in such serious criminality. The incident also highlights the frankly astonishing commitment, courage and dedication to the protection of the Turks and Caicos Islands by Police Officers from the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force, whether on or off duty. With little regard for their own safety, the four officers responded to a very high threat in protection of their communities. Whilst this matter is the subject of an ongoing investigation, I don’t hesitate in applauding and saluting the courage of our Police Officers. I am proud of them every day for what they do to keep the TCI safe and secure.’
Seperately,on Saturday, January 15, 2022, Police Officers were dispatched to a store in Five Cays, after a Robbery was reported. The two culprits, one armed with a firearm, entered the store and demanded money which they made off with. No injuries reported. This matter is now under investigation.
